The Royal Oak Pub in London

44 Tabard St, London SE1 4JU

About This Pub

Ah, The Royal Oak – it's one of those gems in London that just feels like a proper pub should, you know? Tucked away in Borough, it's got this untouched Victorian charm surrounded by all the modern high-rises, making it a brilliant spot to escape the hustle and enjoy a quiet chat over a pint. The Harvey's beers are the star of the show; they're always well-maintained and come in a great variety, whether you're into stouts or something a bit lighter – I can see why it's a favourite among ale enthusiasts. The staff are dead friendly, and the whole place has that home-from-home feel, with awards like SE London Pub of the Year under its belt, which says a lot about the quality. It's also super welcoming for dogs, so if you're out and about with your pooch, that's a nice plus. On the flip side, though, the food isn't always hitting the mark; I've heard a few grumbles about dishes like the Sunday roast being a tad underwhelming, with watery gravy and so-so beef, so maybe stick to the bar snacks if you're peckish. Overall, it's a top choice for a laid-back evening, but keep expectations realistic for the grub. If you're in the area, I'd definitely recommend giving it a go – it's got that authentic pub spirit that's hard to beat!

Pros and Cons

Pros

The beers are absolutely spot on – especially the Harvey's selection, which is well-kept and a real treat for any ale lover.
It's got that classic, old-school pub charm in the middle of bustling Borough, making it feel like a cosy hideaway from the city rush.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with friendly staff and a real community vibe that's perfect for catching up with mates.
They're dog-friendly, which is brilliant if you're popping in with your furry friend after a walk.
It's affordable and has picked up some lovely awards, like being named SE London Pub of the Year, so you know it's got a solid reputation.

Cons

The food can be a bit hit or miss; one person mentioned the Sunday roast gravy was watery and the beef wasn't up to scratch, so it might not be the best choice for a proper meal.
With food only served at specific times, like evenings during the week or weekends, it could be tricky if you're after a bite outside those hours.

Contact Information

44 Tabard St, London SE1 4JU

+442073577173

Pub

Open Now

Opening Hours

Monday (Today)	11:00 - 23:00
Tuesday	11:00 - 23:00
Wednesday	11:00 - 23:00
Thursday	11:00 - 23:00
Friday	11:00 - 23:00
Saturday	11:00 - 23:00
Sunday	12:00 - 21:00

Location

Recent Reviews

Superb traditional old school Harvey's of Lewes pub. Excellent range of Harvey's beers which are well kept and maintained. Good choice of proper old school bar snacks including a warm pork scratchings dispenser. Serves food which looks good but I've never eaten here so can't comment. Dog friendly too.

🚇 Borough 🍺 £6.10 Cruzcampo The Royal Oak is located in a quiet backstreet in Borough, Southeast London. The nearest Tube is Borough. This Victorian pub dates from the mid-nineteenth century. In 1997 @harveysbrewery of Lewes in Sussex transformed this run down ex-Courage pub and restored it to its former Victorian glory. This is a traditionally decorated two bar pub that has a cosy intimate feel. The centrepiece to this pub is the beautiful ornate servery which spans both bars. The bar at the back has a period fireplace, historical black and white prints and etched mirrors. The front bar is similarly decorated with brass chandeliers, a boarded floor plus you get a great view of the stunning back bar. There is plenty seating throughout combining conventional tables and chairs plus a few pews. The beer line up consisted of some familiar keg beers plus four Harvey’s cask ales and some no and low options. I decided on a Cruzcampo, my pint was excellent, price point was average. There is a classic British pub grub menu available, Fish & Chips costs £16.50, Roasts are available on a Sunday. I arrived just before 12pm on a chilly Saturday lunchtime in February. The pub was fairly quiet as it had not long opened, there were two separate groups in attendance including a family from Cuba. The atmosphere was calm and relaxed, I pulled up a pew to enjoy my pint and take in my surroundings. The service was good , the team member who served me was welcoming. The @royaloakborough is a charming backstreet establishment that showcases all that is great about London pubs. I loved the tiled exterior, the traditional local pub feel, the beautiful servery and the varied beer selection. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit here, I would definitely recommend a visit to this timeless classic. 📅 1st February 2025 More London Pub info @londonpubmap 🍻

London Pub Map

Unfortunately food is below average. Gravy in the sunday roast was super watery, and beef wasn’t great either. However, friendly and attentive service.

Mia M

Very traditional pub in Southwark. Corner site with two rooms and nice wooden bar. Harveys of Lewes outlet in London, so all their beers are nicely presented and dispensed. Lots going on here, and strongly recommended.

Doug Neilson

Good selection of Stouts ! The Old Ale was my favorite. A little bit sweet with tones of cherry . The Sussex best was also great ( no a stout though)

Petu